diy style

Those who read my blog regularly will know that the world of cosmetics and beauty products is one big ball of blundering confusion to me. It's a combination of having a lack of interest in the subject as well as being an utter buffoon when it comes to beauty counter speak. read more

I'm dying for a couple of pieces from Wendy Mullin's indie line Built by Wendy. But unlike Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes, who are also Wendy fans, I can't always swing the price. Thank heaven for her new book, Built by Wendy Dresses: The Sew U Guide to Making a Girl's Best Frock. (Now if only I could sew!) Read more about Wendy, after the jump. read more

I know all of you have a black sweater or top in your closet that, while it's still great-fitting, just says "snooze!" Here's a way to gussy it up and transform ye old humble top into a trendy statement piece that'll leave everyone noticing (and hopefully talking about) your great style. read more

As our resident style system-beater, I'm always on the hunt for good deals and cheapie wardrobe upgrades. And believe it or not, I managed to find one in Paris, the home of haute couture, pricey champagne and les macarons--or as I refer to them, "those $30 pastel cookies that are too pretty to eat." read more

Greetings lovely STF! Hopefully you’re still kicking your feet up and enjoying a little holiday break. If you feel like shaking up time-honored traditions—like the non-stop TV-watching with the fam accompanied by frequent round-trips to the kitchen to indulge in the umpteenth snack of the day—I’ve got a super easy style DIY for you. (Fear not: There are no feathers, glue-guns or sequins involved.) While not quite as simple as a cup-o-soup’s “just add hot water” directions, this fun winter fix’ll give you a new sweater dress in seconds—or however long it takes you to thread a needle. read more

The holiday season is upon us, which means there are tons of parties on the horizon--and plenty of potential "what the heck do I wear?" freak-out moments. But there is no need to break a sweat--or the bank. With a little styling magic, the dresses you already own can look and feel brand-new again. read more

As you guys probably already know, I'm a vintage junkie who's not above rolling up my sleeves and digging through a dirty old pile of gym socks and ugly Christmas sweaters if I think there might be some treasure buried in there--how do you think I once scored a YSL blouse for $17!? But even I, queen of the Brooklyn thrift shops, started seeing vintage duds in a brand new light when a very cool book recently made its way across my desk... read more

A Glamour staffer recently had the sweetest low-key backyard wedding (jealous...), yet her hair looked so gorgeous you'd think she'd gotten it done in a fancy NYC salon. Nope--her loose, romantic chignon was a family effort. Check out these photos, and you brides-to-be (and future bridesmaids) might just be inspired to save some cash and D.I.Y. your updo. read more

Another day backstage, another new beauty trend to crush on! At the Behnaz Sarafpour show, the CND folks were there again working their magic with the most beautiful shade described to me by lead manicurist (and another one of my favorite Glamour interview subjects) Roxanne Valinoti as "foundation for your nails." read more

Dear Chris Benz, I just had to write to tell you that I am in love with your fall collection. No one puts vibrant color together the way you do and I am beyond inspired. This might be too much to ask, but I can’t help but hope that you will consider splitting the $100 ticket I got this morning for defacing public property as I took my inspiration to a higher DIY haze. Apparently spray painting a watch neon orange at 6am on a public sidewalk is illegal. read more

There are three things in this fashion life that never fail to make my heart skip a beat: 1.) Marc Jacobs; 2.) my style idol and imaginary mentor, Joan Rivers; and 3.) a little DIY project that saves wads of cash and makes you look totally chic. Today, I've found all three rolled into one (and you'll never believe where!). read more

There are two types of people in the world, in my mind: What I call the "planners" (i.e. your friend that started stressing about New Year's Eve plans LAST January 1), and then those that constantly try to shuffle their life into a state of organization. I am genetically programmed to identify with the latter but I've always harbored jealousy for those hyper-organized-list-checkers. Work is relatively quiet around this time of year, so naturally every January I go through the same motion of trying to learn to be a "planner". Apparently, the shoe designer Pierre Hardy is in the same mode--check out what he helped inspire me to create, after the jump. read more

I am a sucker for strange beauty tips. I have smeared Preparation H on my under-eye bags, thrown bars of soap in my lingerie drawer, and put Vaseline on my lashes when I was taking a break from mascara. But here’s a new one I’ve never heard before read more

Got a boring old cardigan you haven't pulled out of your closet in ages? Give it a little face lift, like Today's Best Dressed Reader, Kayte, did. She's a bona fide DIY goddess, and when you check out her full look, you'll see why... read more

Scented candles, calorie-laden foods and fancy-pants soaps have been default, I-like-you-but-don't-know-what-to-get-you holiday presents ever since Santa and his elves commandeered the North Pole. So, should you find yourself being given a sweetly packaged candle or soap from a thoughtful (but uncreative) gift-giver this season, smile pretty, say thanks and then do this: read more

Not sure how wear a scarf without looking like an extra from Designing Women? (No offense, Delta Burke.) From the perfect Parisian knot to the super-easy pashmina update, these 5-second style tricks will turn those fussy closet staples into something cool. read more

I saw my best-dressed friend, who just happens to be a fashion stylist, for drinks the other night and was instantly obsessed with her outfit—she had on two skirts at once. There was just a bit of black and white floral print peeking out from beneath her red skirt and it looked so chic and unlike anything I’ve seen. It was also a look I didn’t think I could pull off—until she gave me some pointers. Keep reading for her four easy style tips. read more